Nice way to spend a summers day and have a good yarn with a mate. Hoorah!

It’s the Pōhutukawa tree that does it for me… our very own Christmas Tree

Where else on the planet would there be a tree that speaks to me, and understands I have been 28 years at sea.

I thought I was destined to roam, but as it turned out I found my way home.

To Wellington, the great harbour of Tara, but also named after our past master.

A town named after a Duke that would make most Kiwi’s puke, but never mind, its a ship of line that our character is defined.

And I did my time here in my youth, and some would say I was a touch uncouth, and that’s probably the truth.

Actually, it’s the garage beer that brings me here, a beverage I would like to be near.

They call it Wellywood, but my purpose for being here is little understood.

I should really live in New York as my wife is a banker, and she’s the anchor.

But what sort of tree would I talk to in New York… I think I’d rather shake hands with an Ork.

No, it’s the Pōhutukawa tree with its stamen bright, surely the future is in sight.

You know everything is all right, when I drive around Oriental Bay in the twilight.

And when I look at my daughter, and I see her shine, I know that coming back to New Zealand was always in my mind.

Wishing you all the very best for the festive season

The Wandering Palate

Had a quick lunch today at Loretta, Wellington…wanted to check it out, wow, most impressed, great space and balance between distressed look and modern clean lines and high-quality fit out. Its breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, wine bar, cafe and everything in between…bloody brilliant wine list, 40 eclectic offerings by the glass and 375ml carafe, all kept in perfect nick with Argon, equally impressed with steemless Riedel glassware. Try the wet risotto with purple carrot, thyme, chervil & parmesan – looks and tastes great. Beef pie was the real job too. This place is going to rock and aimed perfectly at the savvy Wellington palate www.loretta.net.nz

The second instalment of New Zealand director Sir Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit Trilogy is set to hit the big screens in December 2013. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins and company as they continue their quest to reclaim Erebor. The diverse landscapes of New Zealand will once again be on show when The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is released. Read More >

Updated May, 2014:

Unfortunately Martin Bosley’s is now closed, due to extraneous circumstance—the landlord, that being the Yacht Club, having a different view of what Wellington diners want than one of the most accomplished chef’s in the country—and wanting to dumb down the restaurant to more casual dining. Read More >

Arguably the most contentious of all foods, the appraisal of pizza will always be highly subjective, however the ultimate arbiter has to be children; not to be underestimated in their gastronomic adroitness, most are pizza aficionado’s moreover all have the power of veto when it comes to the restaurant of choice. Read More >

The Wandering Palate was in good form demonstrating ‘Wife’s Legendary Duck Curry’ at the eponymous Ruth Pretty Cooking School, expanded to the full duck banquet and paired with some fabulous pinot noirs from Paul Pretty’s cellar. Read More >